UHS Medical Times July 2018

UHS Medical Times 1

Newsletter | July 2018

TIME TO Walk Away From

DIABETES

Diabetes &

ENDOCRINOLOGY Endocrinology focuses primarily on the endocrine organs, or those organs that may cause a "hormone imbalance". These organs include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, testes and pancreas. This can be a complicated specialty. There are many glands and hormones in the body, each with their own jobs to do. It is a delicate chemical balance that keeps our bodies running smoothly with very little effort on our part. When the balance is upset, serious diseases and conditions can develop.

Endocrinologists can help you manage your diabetes by prescribing insulin and/or medications, offering diet plans and helping you to keep a close watch on your blood glucose levels.

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Newsletter | July 2018

UNDERSATNDING DIABETES Diabetes describes a condition in which the body cannot make proper use of carbohydrate in food because the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the insulin produced is ineffective, or a combination of both.

Insulin is the hormone that helps glucose (sugar) from the digestion of carbohydrate in food, move into the body’s cells where it is used for energy. When insulin is not present or is ineffective, glucose builds up in the blood. This is because insulin is the key, which unlocks the door to the body’s cells. Once the door is unlocked glucose can enter where it is used as fuel for energy, so we can work, play and generally live our lives.

If there is no insulin present in the body, as in type 1 diabetes, then there is no key to unlock the door and the glucose stays in the blood. When there is not enough insulin, the cell doors are only partially unlocked, or when there is lots of insulin, but the lock doesn’t work properly (sometimes referred to as insulin resistance), this is type 2 diabetes. Because the excess glucose stays in the blood and isn’t being used as fuel for energy, people with untreated diabetes often feel very tired, pass large amounts of urine and are extremely thirsty.

As people with diabetes have problems with their insulin, it is necessary for them to take steps to either create insulin or to help the insulin they are making, work better. This can be done through a healthy lifestyle and treatment.

By following a treatment plan, which includes healthy diet and regular physical activity, people with diabetes can control the amount of glucose in the blood and lead a healthy life.

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SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES The main symptoms of diabetes are:

INCREASED THIRST

FREQUENT URINATION

UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS

BLURRY VISION

FREQUENT HUNGER

EXTREME TIREDNESS

VAGINAL INFECTION

SLOW HEALING OF CUTS AND WOUNDS

Type 2 diabetes develops slowly over a period of years. Some people may not notice any symptoms at all and their diabetes is only picked up in a routine medical checkup. Some people may put the symptoms down to ‘getting older' or 'overwork'.

Type 1 diabetes develops much more quickly, usually over a few weeks. In both types of diabetes, the symptoms are quickly relieved once it treated. Early treatment will also reduce the chances of developing the serious diabetes complications.

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Newsletter | July 2018

WHO GETS DIABETES AND WHAT CAUSES IT? Diabetes is a common health condition. Although the condition can occur at any age, it is rare in infants and becomes more common as people get older.

Type 1 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes develops when the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed.

Nobody knows for sure why these cells have been damaged but the most likely cause is the body having an abnormal reaction to the cells. This may be triggered by a viral or other infection. Type 1 diabetes used to be known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes (idd).

People who develop diabetes under the age of 40 and especially in childhood, usually have this type of diabetes, however it can happen at any age.

Type 1 Diabetes Nucleus

Cell

The pancreas does not produce insulin

Insulin receptor

Glucose accumulates in the blood and can not penetrate into the cell

Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes

Nucleus

Cell

Insulin receptors lose their sensitivity

Glucose cannot penetrate to cell

Type 2 diabetes usually appears in middle-aged or older people, although more frequently it is being diagnosed in younger overweight people and is known to affect African-carribean and South-Asian people at a younger age. The main cause is that the insulin that the body produces doesn’t work properly (insulin Resistance).

Some people wrongly describe type 2 diabetes as 'mild' diabetes. There is no such thing as mild diabetes. All diabetes should be taken seriously and Insulin treated properly.

Type 2 diabetes used to be known as Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes (NIDD).

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e-newsletter September Newsletter ||July 2018 2016

The people most at risk of type 2 diabetes: • are white people aged over 40 years and people from African Caribbean, Asian and minority ethnic groups aged over 25 who:

Have a family history of diabetes

Are overweight

Have high blood pressure, heart disease or have had a heart attack

• have had a borderline high blood glucose test • are women with polycystic syndrome who are overweight

ovary

• are women who have had high blood glucose levels during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).

SOME THINGS THAT DO NOT CAUSE DIABETES: • eating sweets or sugar does not cause diabetes • stress does not cause diabetes although it may make the symptoms worse in people who already have the condition • sometimes an accident or an illness may reveal diabetes if it is already there, but they do not cause it.

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Newsletter | July 2018

HELP YOURSELF TO STAY HEALTHY If you have diabetes, you may need to make some changes to your way of life. However, by sticking to your management plan, monitoring your condition and following a healthy lifestyle, you should be able to continue your normal, day-to-day life and take part in the activities you have always enjoyed.

The long-term benefits of healthy eating and regular physical activity outweigh the excuses we can all make not to follow a healthy lifestyle. A positive attitude, careful planning and support from your family, friends and diabetes team all help.

What you eat directly affects your blood glucose levels. It can also affect the amount of fat, such as cholesterol in your blood. By choosing healthy foods and being active you will help manage your blood glucose levels and your weight. The diet for people with diabetes is not a special diet. It is the normal healthy diet recommended for everybody – low in fat, sugar and salt, with plenty of fruit, vegetables and starchy foods. Healthy eating is good for everybody, so there is no need to prepare separate meals for you and your family. You do not need to buy special foods either, so relax, and learn how to enjoy a varied balanced diet.

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Newsletter | July 2018

When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor should arrange for you to see a state registered dietitian who will give you individual dietary advice and discuss, if necessary, how to adapt your meals to make them healthier. In the meantime, here is some information to get you started.

1. Eat regular meals based on starchy foods such as bread, pasta, chapatis, potatoes, rice and cereals. This will help to control your blood glucose levels. All varieties are fine but try to include more of the wholegrain ones.

2. Try to cut down on the fat you eat as this will help you to lose weight, which will help you to control your diabetes. Eat less saturated (animal) fats in particular as this type of fat is linked to heart disease.

Tips to reduce your saturated fat intake: Choose low-fat dairy foods such as skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurt, ice cream and custard.

Choose lean meat/mince and skinless chicken/poultry and trim all visible fat before cooking.

Use low-fat cooking methods such as grilling, microwaving, steaming, dry roasting, poaching or barbecuing.

Skim the fat off the top of casseroles, stews and curries.

Choose monounsaturated oils and spreads like olive, rapeseed and ground nut oils.

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Newsletter | July 2018

3. Eat more fruit and vegetables – aim for at least five portions a day. People with diabetes can have any fruit and vegetables they like. All fruit and vegetables are low in fat and calories and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Fruit makes an ideal snack.

4. Cut down on sugar and sugary foods. This does not mean you need to have a completely sugar-free diet. Choose diet, low sugar or sugar-free squashes and fizzy drinks as sugary drinks can cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

5. Use less salt. Avoid putting salt on the table and reduce or leave out salt in cooking. Try flavoring foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Choose salt reduced versions of processed foods.

7. If you are overweight, losing weight will help control your diabetes and will also reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Aim to lose weight slowly over time (1-2lbs or 0.5-1kg per week) rather than crash dieting.

Even if you don’t manage to get to your ideal weight, losing a small amount and keeping it off will help with your blood glucose control and improve your overall health.

8. Don’t be tempted by foods or drinks labelled as being ‘diabetic’. They are expensive, unnecessary and have no added benefit for people with diabetes.

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Newsletter | July 2018

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY As well as healthy eating and medication, physical activity is an important part of diabetes management. Even small changes in activity can help you lead a healthier lifestyle. Remember to discuss any activity plans with your doctor or diabetes team before you start.

Physical activity helps to: • Regulate Blood Glucose Levels • Make Insulin Work More Effectively • Reduce Weight • Improve Blood Cholesterol and Blood Pressure • Prevent Coronary Heart Disease

The more active you are, you will also find the more energy you have and the less stressed you feel.

Planning is very important when starting to increase your activity levels. With good planning it can be fun, safe and very rewarding. The key is to set short-term achievable goals and build up gradually. To prevent injury and muscle soreness, which can make you lose motivation, it is important to warm up, cool down and stretch.

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Newsletter | July 2018

How much should you be doing?

Build up to at least 30 minutes of physical activity that makes you feel a bit out of puff on most, preferably all, days of the week, but remember even if you can’t manage 30 minutes a day every bit counts.

Which Activity?

Do something that you enjoy, such as gardening or going for a walk. You are more likely to stick at it and make it a habit. Also think of movement as an activity opportunity, so take the stairs instead of the lift, get off the bus one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way, or do housework to music.

For most people, walking is the easiest and most convenient form of physical activity. Some other activities you might like to try are swimming, bowling, golf, tennis, dancing and cycling.

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Newsletter | July 2018

Special Considerations Insulin and Tablets If your diabetes is treated with insulin or sulphonyl-urea tablets there are precautions you need to take when being physically active. You should monitor your blood glucose level before and after activity, as activity lowers blood glucose levels. If your blood glucose level is less than 4mmol/l before you start, you should have a sugary drink, glucose tablets or sweets, and follow it up with some starchy carbohydrate, like a sandwich.

Remember to always keep a sugary drink, glucose tablets or sweets handy whenever you are being active. If your diabetes is treated with insulin, your injection site should be away from areas used during your activity.

For example, if you are going cycling, it is better not to inject into your legs.

Carbohydrates The amount of extra carbohydrate you will need and the adjustments you need to make to your diabetes treatment (insulin or tablets) will depend upon a number of things.

• How often you are physically active • When you are physically active • The intensity and duration of the activity.

However, with frequent blood glucose monitoring before, during and after physical activity you will get to know how your body responds to doing a particular activity and adjust your medication or treatment accordingly.

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Newsletter | July 2018

HOW IS DIABETES MANAGED? Although diabetes cannot yet be cured, it can be managed very successfully.

The aim of diabetes management is to keep blood glucose levels as near to normal as possible (4-7mmol/l before meals and up to 10 mmol/l two hours after a meal).

Type 1 Diabetes People with type 1 diabetes need injections of insulin and also need to eat healthily, having meals that contain the right balance of foods. In addition, regular physical activity is recommended.

Insulin and Type 1 Diabetes Insulin cannot be swallowed because it is destroyed by the digestive juices in the stomach. People with this type of diabetes commonly take either two or more injections of insulin each day.

If you or someone close to you needs insulin injections, your doctor or diabetes nurse will talk to you, show you how to do them and give you support and help.

They will also show you how you can do a simple blood or urine test at home to measure your glucose levels. This will enable you to adjust your insulin, food and activity according to your daily routine. Your doctor or diabetes nurse will advise you what to do if your glucose level is too low. If you have type 1 diabetes, your insulin injections are vital to keep you alive and you must have them every day.

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Newsletter | July 2018

Type 2 Diabetes People with type 2 diabetes need to eat a healthy diet that contains the right balance of foods and take regular physical activity. If you are overweight, it will help your diabetes if you lose some weight and keep it off.

If your doctor or diabetes nurse finds that this alone is not enough to keep your blood glucose levels normal, you may also need to take tablets.

Tablets and Type 2 Diabetes There are several types of tablets for people with type 2 diabetes. Some types help you to produce more insulin. Other types help your body to make better use of the insulin that you do produce. Another type of tablet slows down the speed at which the body absorbs glucose from the intestine.

Your doctor will decide which kinds of tablets are going to work best for you and may prescribe more than one kind. Your doctor or diabetes nurse will tell you all about the tablets, when to take them, and how to monitor your blood or urine glucose levels.

Eventually even several types of tablet may not be enough to keep your blood glucose levels normal and your doctor may advise you to take insulin as well as, or instead of, your tablets. If you do need to take tablets or insulin, a healthy diet and physical activity remain an important part of managing your diabetes.

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Newsletter | July 2018

Staying Healthy People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing diabetes complications, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, circulation problems, nerve damage and damage to the kidneys and eyes.

Finding out as much as you can about diabetes will better help you to manage the condition.

Ask your diabetes team what diabetes education courses there are in your area. Additionally, there are many emotions associated with having diabetes and you might benefit from talking to your diabetes team about how you are feeling or talking to others with diabetes for support.

Blood Glucose Levels By keeping good blood glucose levels you significantly reduce the risk of developing long-term complications. Blood glucose levels are measured in millimols per litre of blood or mmol/l. You should aim for a level of 4–6mmol/l before meals and up to 10mmol/l two hours after meals.

Your doctor or diabetes nurse will advise you on the range of blood glucose monitors available to measure your blood glucose levels and what to do with the results. You may also wish to monitor your glucose levels by testing your urine. Speak to your doctor or diabetes nurse about which method of testing is best for you.

Hba1c Levels Your long-term blood glucose levels (hba1c) should be checked every three or four months, especially after a change in your treatment, but if not then at least once a year. This level is measured as a percentage and should ideally be 6.5 per cent or below.

Blood Pressure Levels Good blood pressure levels are important in reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Your blood pressure should be measured regularly when you visit your doctor. Ideal blood pressure is below 130/80mmhg. Ways to help reduce your blood pressure include reducing your weight by eating a diet low in fat, reducing salt intake, alcohol and stress levels, being regularly physically active and giving up smoking.

If your blood pressure is still high after trying these things, your doctor will prescribe tablets to help bring it down.

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Newsletter | July 2018

Blood Fats (Lipids)

Weight

Having too much fat in the blood can contribute towards heart disease and stroke. Blood fats include cholesterol and triglycerides. Ideally your triglyceride level should be less than 1.7mmol/l and your total cholesterol level less than 4mmol/l.

Maintaining a healthy body weight is important for managing your diabetes. It helps reduce your blood glucose levels and benefits your overall health. Carrying excess fat around the middle increases your risk of heart disease.

Speak to your doctor or diabetes nurse for ways to lose weight.

You can help to reduce your blood fat by reducing your weight, following a low-fat diet, and being regularly physically active. If your levels are high, your doctor may prescribe tablets to lower them.

Smoking Giving up smoking is one of the most positive things you can do to improve your health and reduce your risks of diabetes complications.

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Newsletter | July 2018

THE DIABETES AND ENDOCRINE CENTRE AT UHS Diabetes and endocrine service at University Hospital Sharjah is dedicated to educating our patients while providing compassionate and high quality medical care which is based on contemporary treatment guidelines and solid medical science.

Our focus is the care and treatment of patients with a wide range of endocrine disorders, including diabetes. We will partner with you, your family and your primary care provider to manage your treatment in all areas of diabetes and endocrinology. Our goals are to provide patients with excellent patient care utilizing a multiple disciplinary team approach and to offer evidence-based treatment options.

Our team of endocrinology experts-board-certified endocrinologist, certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians—provide expert advice on diagnosis and management of diabetes, thyroid disease and a variety of other hormonal conditions.

Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people. Whether you are new to diabetes or have lived with this condition for years, our specially trained diabetes educators can provide the tools, education and support you need to help you lead a healthier life.

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Newsletter | July 2018

OUR SERVICES The endocrine system comprises the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal, pituitary, and hypothalamus. These glands produce the hormones that control various activities of the body, such as reproduction, metabolism, growth, and development. The way the body responds to the environment is also controlled by hormones, which help to regulate the energy and nutrition the body receives to make it function properly.

• Specialize in diagnosis and management of complex diabetic, thyroid, adrenal and pituitary patients.

• Full service laboratory • Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems • Insulin pump initiation and management • Management of diabetes during pregnancy • Individual and group diabetes classes • Weight Loss for the treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

CONDITIONS WE TREAT: Some of the conditions we treat include:

All types of Diabetes management

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic foot including vascular surgery

Insulin pump therapy

Thyroid disorders

Adrenal disorders

Pituitary disorders

Growth Disorders

Neuroendocrine disorders

All endocrine surgeries

Bone and calcium metabolism

Obesity treatment including medical and Bariatric surgery

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Newsletter | July February 2018 2018

MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM FOR DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY

PROF. SALAH ABUSNANA DIABETES AND ENDOCRINE CENTRE DIRECTOR, CONSULTANT DIABETES AND ENDOCRINE

CONSULTANT DIABETOLOGIST

DR. NAWAL AL DR. MOAYED MUTAWA ALHELFI Consultant Endocrinologist Consultant Endocrinologist

DIABETES EDUCATOR

MS. EMAN ABDULLAH YOUSEF

DR. NAGUIB MOHAMED HASSAN ABDEL REHEIM

PROF. DR. IYAD HASSAN

Consultant Pediatrician and Pediatric Diabetologist

Consultant Endocrine Surgeon

CLINICAL DIETITIAN

MS. ENSAF BURAI OSMAN

Newsletter from University Hospital Sharjah

ENDOCRINE SURGEON

MS. MAISA MS. AFRA FUAD ODEH ALMASHGHOUNI

WOUND CARE NURSING

MS. MOUNIA SABASSE

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Newsletter | July 2018

SCOPE OF SERVICES AT UHS MEDICAL SERVICES

SURGICAL SERVICES

CARDIOLOGY

NEUROPHYSIOLOGY

Anesthesiology

Bariatric Surgery

24-Hour BP Monitoring

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Aviation Medicine

Ears, Nose and Throat Surgery

24-Hour Holter Monitoring

Electromyography (EMG)

Cardiology

General Surgery

2D/3D Echo

Evoked Potential Test

Critical Care

Neurological Surgery

3D Transesophageal Echo

Brain Auditory Evoked Potential

Dermatology

Obstetrics and Gynecologic Surgery

CT coronary Angiography

(BAEP)

Emergency Medicine

Ophthalmic Surgery

Somato Sensory Evoked Potential

Endocrinology

Orthopedic Surgery

Dobutamine Stress Echo for Ischemia and Viability Studies

Family Medicine

Pediatric Surgery

Gastroenterology

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Internal Medicine

Urologic Surgery

Medical Oncology

Vascular Surgery

Neonatology Nephrology Neurology Pediatrics Psychiatry Pulmonology Rheumatology MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS IMAGING (MDI) 128 Channel CT Scan with Coronary and Cardiac Facility

PATHOLOGY & LABORATORY MEDICINE

Interventional Cardiology Stress Test Treadmill Stress Test

AUDIOLOGY

(SSEP) Visual Evoked Potential ( VEP) Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

OTHER SPECIALTY SERVICES

Biochemistry

Acoustic Reflex Threshold

24/7 Emergency Services

Blood Transfusion Medicine

Auditory Brainstem Response

Ambulance

Cytology

Auditory Steady State Response

Hemodialysis

Hematology

Cochlear Implant Mapping

Physiotherapy

Histology

Electrocochleography

Pharmacy

Immunology

Free Field Audiometry

Sharjah Breast Centre

Microbiology

Hearing Aid Fitting and Programming

Phlebotomy

Newborn Hearing Screening

Bone Densitometry

Otoacoustic Emission

Digital X-Ray and Fluoroscopy

Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)

Mammography and Guided Breast Intervention

Speech Audiometry

MRI 1.5 TESLA

Tinnitus Evaluation

Ultrasound

Tympanometry

Vascular Interventional Lab

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